Aryna Sabalenka defeats Elena Rybakina to claim the Indian Wells championship.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the final of Indian Wells on Sunday, securing her first title at the tournament in the California desert.

Sabalenka, who was a finalist in both 2023 and 2025, concluded the match at the BNP Paribas Open with a powerful serve that Rybakina sent long. The match took place on a scorching afternoon, with temperatures reaching the 90s.

The 27-year-old Sabalenka had an opportunity to seal the third set but was broken while serving at 5-4. Rybakina held a championship point during the tiebreaker, but Sabalenka responded with a backhand winner.

This encounter marked the 16th meeting between the two players, with Sabalenka now leading the head-to-head 9-7. Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, previously defeated Sabalenka at the 2025 WTA Finals and at the Australian Open two months prior. She also overcame Sabalenka in the finals at Indian Wells in 2023.

“What a day,” Sabalenka remarked following the match.

Source: espn.com